Nmecha To Lead The Line Against His Former Club | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup To Face Manchester City | OneFootball

After successive defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, further catastrophe awaits Leeds United, with Manchester City set to host them on Sunday afternoon. The Premier League newcomers are struggling for survival, and a setback at the Etihad could draw an end to Daniel Farke’s tenure as the Elland Road boss.

The Whites face a challenging schedule with contests against Chelsea and Liverpool coming up after their weekend encounter. The lack of productivity high up the pitch remains a concern, and the club must look for reinforcements in the January window. Despite earning promotion by conquering the Championship crown, Farke’s underwhelming top-flight record has jeopardised his future in West Yorkshire.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup To Face Manchester City

Defence

Lucas Perri completed a high-profile summer switch from Lyon. But the Brazilian has struggled between the sticks since returning from an injury sustained early in the campaign.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Lukas Nmecha of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Jayden Bogle during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Aston Villa at Elland Road on November 23, 2025, in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Farke brought Jaka Bijol into his starting XI, but dropped him again in favour of Pascal Struijk following a below-par performance against Forest. Struijk is expected to keep his place and partner with Joe Rodon in the heart of the backline. Gabriel Gudmundsson, the other summer recruit, has been a regular from the left, whereas Jayden Bogle continues to be the preferred right fullback over James Justin. Leeds splashed £8m (plus £2m on add-ons) in August to snap him up from Leicester City, yet his minutes are numbered so far as the understudy to both Bogle and Gudmundsson.

Midfield

Farke was forced to take Anton Stach off against Villa due to a head injury. The German playmaker is now ruled out for their trip to Manchester due to the concussion protocol. Sean Longstaff is sidelined till next year with a calf injury, thus leaving the gaffer with no choice but to make tactical alterations, unless he decides to field all available midfield options against Pep Guardiola’s men.

A ‘double pivot’ of skipper Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka should offer defensive cover, as well as an opportunity for Brenden Aaronson to shine in his desired ‘number 10’ spot. Ilia Gruev could be brought in as a ‘super sub’ to inject fresh legs and physicality in the middle of the park. Leeds United spent a hefty fee for Noah Okafor, who must work hard down the left-hand flank. Wilfried Gnonto deserves a nod on the right for his technical traits and swift footwork. Daniel James and Jack Harrison might get introduced from the bench as second-half substitutes.

Attack

Lukas Nmecha has shown some spark up top, having scored in back-to-back fixtures. He must spearhead the attack against his former club, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Joel Piroe hardly delivering as a ‘number 9’.